The UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade, in collaboration with Woodhall Finance House, Polaris Bank, and the Lagos State Government, has launched The Creative Currency Podcast an initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy.
Conceived as both a media platform and a strategic economic tool, The Creative Currency Podcast seeks to amplify investment opportunities, forge policy alignment, and spotlight compelling African narratives across film, fashion, music, and digital art.
The podcast was officially launched at the Lagos residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter, and attended by senior policymakers, development finance institutions, investors, creative leaders, and high-net-worth individuals from across the continent.
Positioned at the intersection of culture, finance, and diplomacy, the initiative aims to strengthen cross-border partnerships and reinforce the UK-Nigeria creative network as a force for economic transformation
In his remarks, Mr Jonny Baxter reiterated the UK’s support for Nigeria’s creative economy:
“The UK is proud to back Nigeria’s creative sector through enduring partnerships that unite innovation, investment, and cultural exchange. Through the Creative Industries Technical Working Group a direct result of the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), and platforms like The Creative Currency Podcast, we are committed to deepening collaboration and empowering the next generation of African talent to thrive globally.”
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose, reaffirmed the state’s status as the creative capital of Africa, highlighting Lagos’s dynamic ecosystem and potential to lead the continent’s cultural and creative resurgence.
A key panel discussion explored strategies to fund Africa’s creative economy and featured:
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Mrs Abimbola Ozomah – Executive Director, Polaris Bank
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Sola Carrena – Managing Director/CEO, Helios Investment Partners
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Mrs Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu – President, Woodhall Capital
The panellists called for innovative financial solutions such as blended finance, factoring, and creative bonds—to unlock the sector’s full potential and support scalable enterprises.
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₦1.5 Billion Creative Sector Fund Announced
Speaking during the event, Mrs Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu unveiled a ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund, initiated by Woodhall Finance House. The fund aims to support export-ready businesses and growth-focused SMEs within Nigeria’s creative space—including fashion, film, music, beauty, and digital arts.
“Creativity is no longer an abstract concept; it is a bankable commodity. It’s time policymakers and investors recognised it as such. No one can tell the Nigerian story better than Nigerians. Our fund is a commitment to back bold ideas and transform cultural capital into economic power.”
The event concluded with a symbolic cultural exchange under the UK’s Jollof and Tea campaign a celebration of British-Nigerian identity through food, storytelling, and high-level networking.
Guests connected over shared heritage and common goals, engaging in conversations around identity, creative investment, and the global narrative of African innovation.
The evening also featured insights from Mr Mark Smithson, Country Director for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, who highlighted the value of cross-cultural partnerships in unlocking creative potential.
